The Policy on the Sustainable Lower Maeklong River Water Shed Conservation in line with Participation in Development of Public Consciousness Cultivation and Network Creation

Abstract

          The objectives of this research were (1) to examine policy on conserving the lower Maeklong river basin, (2) to examine implementation system of the policy, (3) to find out the extent of participation in the conservation among government, business and people sectors, and (4) to propose implementation features in making the conservation sustainable. To accomplish the objectives, the mixed-method approach of data collection and analysis was selected

          Based on the analysis, the research finding there was an existence of policy in conserving the lower Maeklong river basin, which consisted of 7 frameworks: conservation and restoration of the water source forest; conservation and restoration of soil and soil exploitation; conservation, restoration, acquisition, development and improvement of water resource for household, agricultural and industrial consumption; regulation of the quality and pollution of water resource; supervision of city environment by laying an emphasis on the natural, artistic and historical resources; restoration and administering of shallow sea fishery; and increasing efficiency of the river basin administration by enhancing participation from all concerned sectors. The policy implementation was well organized. It was implemented in consistency with the national water resource administration strategic plan policy and in conformity with the 10 steps of the river basin administration and development guidelines.

          Participation in the form of three-sector cooperation from government, business and people sectors in conserving the lower river basin was quite low, by lack of coordination and continuity. Obtaining sustainable conservation of the must river require systematic monitoring of the public covering all upper, middle and lower parts of the river basin. Human resource development on the aspects of active participation, learning enhancement, public consciousness and networking encouragement must be promoted along with the above. In working with the form of multilateral cooperation, it was expected that this implementation feature can also bring about knowledge and affection among the people in sustaining their river.